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Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo comforts Steven Souza Jr. after suffering an injury to his leg against the Chicago White Sox in the fourth inning during a spring training game on Mar. 25, 2019 at Chase Field in Phoenix, Ariz. Rob Schumacher/The Republic

Arizona Diamondbacks Steven Souza Jr. reacts after suffering an injury to his leg after scoring against the Chicago White Sox in the fourth inning during a spring training game on Mar. 25, 2019 at Chase Field in Phoenix, Ariz. Steven Souza Jr. was carried from the field. Rob Schumacher/The Republic

Arizona Diamondbacks Steven Souza Jr. reacts after suffering an injury to his leg after scoring against the Chicago White Sox in the fourth inning during a spring training game on Mar. 25, 2019 at Chase Field in Phoenix, Ariz. Steven Souza Jr. was carried from the field. Rob Schumacher/The Republic

Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo comforts Steven Souza Jr. after suffering an injury to his leg against the Chicago White Sox in the fourth inning during a spring training game on Mar. 25, 2019 at Chase Field in Phoenix, Ariz. Rob Schumacher/The Republic

Arizona Diamondbacks coach Tony Perezchica (right) holds the hand of Steven Souza Jr. reacts after suffering an injury to his leg after scoring against the Chicago White Sox in the fourth inning during a spring training game on Mar. 25, 2019 at Chase Field in Phoenix, Ariz. Steven Souza Jr. was carried from the field. Rob Schumacher/The Republic

Arizona Diamondbacks Steven Souza Jr. is carried from the field after suffering an injury to his leg against the Chicago White Sox in the fourth inning during a spring training game on Mar. 25, 2019 at Chase Field in Phoenix, Ariz. Rob Schumacher/The Republic

Chase Field grounds crew worker Mike Smothers uses a vacuum to clean up the new artificial turf before spring training action between the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Milwaukee Brewers March 26, 2019. Michael Chow/The Republic

Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman Jake Lamb (22) is congratulated by left fielder David Peralta (6) after hitting a solo home run against the Chicago White Sox during spring training action at Chase Field March 26, 2019. Michael Chow/The Republic

New artificial turf has been installed at Chase Field this season as grounds crew workers to prepare for a spring training game between the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Milwaukee Brewers March 26, 2019. Michael Chow/The Republic

Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman Jake Lamb (22) crosses home plate after hitting a solo home run against the Chicago White Sox during spring training action at Chase Field March 26, 2019. Michael Chow/The Republic

Chase Field grounds crew worker Mike Smothers uses a vacuum to clean up the new artificial turf before spring training action between the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Milwaukee Brewers March 26, 2019. Michael Chow/The Republic

Chase Field grounds crew worker Mike Smothers uses a vacuum to clean up the new artificial turf before spring training action between the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Milwaukee Brewers March 26, 2019. Michael Chow/The Republic

Arizona Diamondbacks John Ryan Murphy (36) steps on home plate after hitting as solo home run against the Chicago White Sox in the third inning during a spring training game on Mar. 25, 2019 at Chase Field in Phoenix, Ariz. Rob Schumacher/The Republic

Arizona Diamondbacks John Ryan Murphy (36) celebrates with teammates David Peralta (6), Ketel Marte (4) and manager Torey Lovullo (right) after hitting as solo home run against the Chicago White Sox in the third inning during a spring training game on Mar. 25, 2019 at Chase Field in Phoenix, Ariz. Rob Schumacher/The Republic

Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Luke Weaver (24) throws to the Chicago White Sox in the first inning during a spring training game on Mar. 25, 2019 at Chase Field in Phoenix, Ariz. Rob Schumacher/The Republic

Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Luke Weaver (24) throws to the Chicago White Sox in the first inning during a spring training game on Mar. 25, 2019 at Chase Field in Phoenix, Ariz. Rob Schumacher/The Republic

Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Luke Weaver (24) throws to the Chicago White Sox in the first inning during a spring training game on Mar. 25, 2019 at Chase Field in Phoenix, Ariz. Rob Schumacher/The Republic

Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Luke Weaver (24) throws to the Chicago White Sox in the first inning during a spring training game on Mar. 25, 2019 at Chase Field in Phoenix, Ariz. Rob Schumacher/The Republic

Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo watches the action against the Chicago White Sox in the first inning during a spring training game on Mar. 25, 2019 at Chase Field in Phoenix, Ariz. Rob Schumacher/The Republic

Arizona Diamondbacks fans watch the action against the Chicago White Sox in the second inning during a spring training game on Mar. 25, 2019 at Chase Field in Phoenix, Ariz. Rob Schumacher/The Republic

Arizona Diamondbacks center fielder Socrates Brito (19) hands out hats to fans before a spring training game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick March 24, 2019. Michael Chow/The Republic

Arizona Diamondbacks relief pitcher Andrew Chafin (40) passes out hats to fans before a spring training game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick March 24, 2019. Michael Chow/The Republic

Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ildemaro Vargas (15) fouls the ball off during spring training against the Milwaukee Brewers at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick March 24, 2019. Michael Chow/The Republic

Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo (17) watches his team play against the Milwaukee Brewers during spring training at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick March 24, 2019. Michael Chow/The Republic

Mar 23, 2019; Scottsdale, AZ, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks right fielder David Peralta (6) hits a solo home run in the third inning against the San Francisco Giants at Scottsdale Stadium. Matt Kartozian, Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

San Francisco Giants left fielder Connor Joe leaps at the wall as fans reach for the home run of Arizona Diamondbacks' David Peralta during the third inning of a spring training baseball game Saturday, March 23, 2019, in Scottsdale, Ariz. Elaine Thompson, AP

Arizona Diamondbacks' David Peralta gestures skyward as he heads home on his solo home run against the San Francisco Giants in the third inning of a spring training baseball game Saturday, March 23, 2019, in Scottsdale, Ariz. Elaine Thompson, AP

San Francisco Giants second baseman Joe Panik throws to first after forcing out Arizona Diamondbacks' Eduardo Escobar at second base during the third inning of a spring training baseball game Saturday, March 23, 2019, in Scottsdale, Ariz. Wilmer Flores was out at first on the double play. Elaine Thompson, AP

San Francisco Giants' Connor Joe swings and misses for a third strike as the ball gets away from Arizona Diamondbacks catcher Alex Avila with umpire Sean Ryan looking on in the third inning of a spring training baseball game Saturday, March 23, 2019, in Scottsdale, Ariz. Elaine Thompson, AP

Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Robbie Ray throws against the San Francisco Giants in the second inning of a spring training baseball game Saturday, March 23, 2019, in Scottsdale, Ariz. Elaine Thompson, AP

Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Robbie Ray throws against the San Francisco Giants in the first inning of a spring training baseball game Saturday, March 23, 2019, in Scottsdale, Ariz. Elaine Thompson, AP

Arizona Diamondbacks' David Peralta, right, turns to talk with umpire Sean Ryan after being called out on strikes looking in the first inning of a spring training baseball game against the San Francisco Giants, Saturday, March 23, 2019, in Scottsdale, Ariz. Elaine Thompson, AP

Diamondbacks third baseman Eduardo Escobar (5) sides into third base on a triple during the first inning of a spring training game against the Los Angeles Angels at Salt River Fields. Rick Scuteri / USA TODAY Sports

Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Matt Andriese hits an RBI-single against the San Diego Padres in the second inning during a spring training game on Mar. 19, 2019 at Salt River Fields in Scottsdale, Ariz. Rob Schumacher/The Republic

Arizona Diamondbacks center fielder Adam Jones (10) makes his debut against the San Diego Padres during a spring training game on Mar. 19, 2019 at Salt River Fields in Scottsdale, Ariz. Rob Schumacher/The Republic

Arizona Diamondbacks center fielder Adam Jones (10) makes his debut against the San Diego Padres during a spring training game on Mar. 19, 2019 at Salt River Fields in Scottsdale, Ariz. Rob Schumacher/The Republic

Arizona Diamondbacks center fielder Adam Jones (10) makes his debut against the San Diego Padres during a spring training game on Mar. 19, 2019 at Salt River Fields in Scottsdale, Ariz. Rob Schumacher/The Republic

Arizona Diamondbacks center fielder Adam Jones (10) swings and misses against the San Diego Padres in the first inning during a spring training game on Mar. 19, 2019 at Salt River Fields in Scottsdale, Ariz. Rob Schumacher/The Republic

Arizona Diamondbacks center fielder Adam Jones (10) grounds-out against the San Diego Padres in the first inning during a spring training game on Mar. 19, 2019 at Salt River Fields in Scottsdale, Ariz. Rob Schumacher/The Republic

Arizona Diamondbacks David Peralta steals third base against the San Diego Padres in the first inning during a spring training game on Mar. 19, 2019 at Salt River Fields in Scottsdale, Ariz. Rob Schumacher/The Republic

Arizona Diamondbacks David Peralta steals third base against the San Diego Padres in the first inning during a spring training game on Mar. 19, 2019 at Salt River Fields in Scottsdale, Ariz. Rob Schumacher/The Republic

Arizona Diamondbacks David Peralta steals third base against the San Diego Padres in the first inning during a spring training game on Mar. 19, 2019 at Salt River Fields in Scottsdale, Ariz. Rob Schumacher/The Republic

Arizona Diamondbacks Wilmer Flores (41) hits a RBI-sacrifice fly ball scoring David Peralta against the San Diego Padres in the first inning during a spring training game on Mar. 19, 2019 at Salt River Fields in Scottsdale, Ariz. Rob Schumacher/The Republic

Arizona Diamondbacks Wilmer Flores (41) hits a RBI-sacrifice fly ball scoring David Peralta against the San Diego Padres in the first inning during a spring training game on Mar. 19, 2019 at Salt River Fields in Scottsdale, Ariz. Rob Schumacher/The Republic

Arizona Diamondbacks Wilmer Flores (41) receives high-fives after hitting a RBI-sacrifice fly ball scoring David Peralta against the San Diego Padres in the first inning during a spring training game on Mar. 19, 2019 at Salt River Fields in Scottsdale, Ariz. Rob Schumacher/The Republic

Arizona Diamondbacks center fielder Adam Jones (10) makes a catch on a ball hit by San Diego Padres Hunter Renfroe in the second inning during a spring training game on Mar. 19, 2019 at Salt River Fields in Scottsdale, Ariz. Rob Schumacher/The Republic

Chicago Cubs second baseman David Bote, right, throws to first base after forcing out Arizona Diamondbacks' Carson Kelly at second base in the fourth inning of a spring training baseball game Saturday, March 16, 2019, in Scottsdale, Ariz. Diamondbacks' Matt Szczur was safe at first on the fielder's choice. Elaine Thompson, AP

Arizona Diamondbacks' Matt Szczur dives safely back to first base on a pick-off attempt against the Chicago Cubs in the fourth inning of a spring training baseball game Saturday, March 16, 2019, in Scottsdale, Ariz. Elaine Thompson, AP

Arizona Diamondbacks' Ildemaro Vargas, right, smiles after arriving safely at second base on his double as Chicago Cubs shortstop Javier Baez stands nearby in the third inning of a spring training baseball game Saturday, March 16, 2019, in Scottsdale, Ariz. Elaine Thompson, AP

Chicago Cubs' Jason Heyward slides into a tag by Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman Ildemaro Vargas to end the top of the second inning of a spring training baseball game Saturday, March 16, 2019, in Scottsdale, Ariz. Elaine Thompson, AP

Chicago Cubs shortstop Javier Baez, left, throws to first base after forcing out Arizona Diamondbacks' Ketel Marte at second base in the first inning of a spring training baseball game Saturday, March 16, 2019, in Scottsdale, Ariz. Baez completed the double play on Diamondbacks' Carson Kelly at first. Elaine Thompson, AP

Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman Ildemaro Vargas, left, moves toward second base to tag it and force out Chicago Cubs' Kris Bryant (17) before throwing to first base in the first inning of a spring training baseball game Saturday, March 16, 2019, in Scottsdale, Ariz. Cubs' Anthony Rizzo was tagged out on a rundown between first and second base on the play. Elaine Thompson, AP

Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Matt Koch throws against the Chicago Cubs in the first inning of a spring training baseball game Saturday, March 16, 2019, in Scottsdale, Ariz. Elaine Thompson, AP

Arizona Diamondbacks right fielder Steven Souza Jr., left, and left fielder Matt Szczur run onto the field to start a spring training baseball game against the Chicago Cubs, Saturday, March 16, 2019, in Scottsdale, Ariz. Elaine Thompson, AP

Arizona Diamondbacks' Steven Souza Jr. is congratulated after scoring against the Chicago Cubs in the first inning of a spring training baseball game Saturday, March 16, 2019, in Scottsdale, Ariz. Elaine Thompson, AP

Arizona Diamondbacks' Yoshihisa Hirano stretches between pitches against the Chicago Cubs in the eighth inning of a spring training baseball game Saturday, March 16, 2019, in Scottsdale, Ariz. Elaine Thompson, AP

Arizona Diamondbacks' Juniel Querecuto connects on a two-run double against the San Francisco Giants in the seventh inning of a spring training baseball game Thursday, March 14, 2019, in Scottsdale, Ariz. Elaine Thompson, AP

Arizona Diamondbacks' Abraham Almonte, left, is followed by Matt Szczur for congratulations in the dugout after they scored in the seventh inning of a spring training baseball game against the San Francisco Giants, Thursday, March 14, 2019, in Scottsdale, Ariz. Elaine Thompson, AP

Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ildemaro Vargas, left, throws to first after forcing out San Francisco Giants' Joe Panik, right, at second in the first inning of a spring training baseball game Thursday, March 14, 2019, in Scottsdale, Ariz. Giants' Buster Posey was out at first base on the double play. Elaine Thompson, AP

Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Luke Weaver throws to a San Francisco Giants batter during the first inning of a spring training baseball game Thursday, March 14, 2019, in Scottsdale, Ariz. Elaine Thompson, AP

Arizona Diamondbacks' Christian Walker races to third base on his triple against the San Francisco Giants in the second inning of a spring training baseball game Thursday, March 14, 2019, in Scottsdale, Ariz. Elaine Thompson, AP

Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Luke Weaver pauses for a few moments before throwing against the San Francisco Giants in the third inning of a spring training baseball game Thursday, March 14, 2019, in Scottsdale, Ariz. Elaine Thompson, AP

Children line the left field fence as they call for a ball from players warming up between innings of a spring training baseball game between the San Francisco Giants and the Arizona Diamondbacks, Thursday, March 14, 2019, in Scottsdale, Ariz. Elaine Thompson, AP

Arizona Diamondbacks' Steven Souza Jr. (28) and Eduardo Escobar (5) lead players out of the dugout before a spring training baseball game against the San Francisco Giants Thursday, March 14, 2019, in Scottsdale, Ariz. Elaine Thompson, AP

Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Luke Weaver is greeted in the dugout before a spring training baseball game against the San Francisco Giants Thursday, March 14, 2019, in Scottsdale, Ariz. Elaine Thompson, AP

Arizona Diamondbacks' Carson Kelly signals for time after hitting a double against the San Francisco Giants in a spring training baseball game Thursday, March 14, 2019, in Scottsdale, Ariz. Elaine Thompson, AP

Arizona Diamondbacks' Abraham Almonte tosses aside his bat after walking against the San Francisco Giants in the seventh inning of a spring training baseball game Thursday, March 14, 2019, in Scottsdale, Ariz. Elaine Thompson, AP

Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Luke Weaver reaches for a ball against the San Francisco Giants in a spring training baseball game Thursday, March 14, 2019, in Scottsdale, Ariz. Elaine Thompson, AP

Arizona Diamondbacks' Christian Walker races to third base on his triple against the San Francisco Giants in the second inning of a spring training baseball game Thursday, March 14, 2019, in Scottsdale, Ariz. Elaine Thompson, AP

Arizona Diamondbacks' Alex Avila is congratulated after driving in a run against the San Francisco Giants in a spring training baseball game Thursday, March 14, 2019, in Scottsdale, Ariz. Elaine Thompson, AP

Arizona Diamondbacks' Wyatt Mathisen (76) is congratulated by third base coach Tony Perezchica (8) after hitting a solo home run in the seventh inning of a spring training baseball game against the Milwaukee Brewers, Friday, March 8, 2019, in Phoenix. Sue Ogrocki, AP

Arizona Diamondbacks' Jamie Westbrook, left, is tagged out by Milwaukee Brewers second baseman Jake Hager, right, after getting caught between second and third base in the eighth inning of a spring training baseball game Friday, March 8, 2019, in Phoenix. Sue Ogrocki, AP

Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Zack Godley, left, walks off the back of the mound as Milwaukee Brewers' Travis Shaw (21) runs the bases following a home run in the fourth inning of a spring training baseball game Friday, March 8, 2019, in Phoenix. Sue Ogrocki, AP

Arizona Diamondbacks Wilmer Flores (41) reacts after hitting a two-run home run against the Cleveland Indians in the 1st inning during a spring training game on Mar. 7, 2019 at Salt River Fields in Scottsdale, Ariz. Rob Schumacher/The Republic

Arizona Diamondbacks Wilmer Flores (41) receives high-fives after hitting a two-run home run against the Cleveland Indians in the 1st inning during a spring training game on Mar. 7, 2019 at Salt River Fields in Scottsdale, Ariz. Rob Schumacher/The Republic

Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Zack Greinke retires the Cleveland Indians in the first inning during a spring training game on Mar. 7, 2019 at Salt River Fields in Scottsdale, Ariz. Rob Schumacher/The Republic

Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Zack Greinke throws to the Cleveland Indians in the first inning during a spring training game on Mar. 7, 2019 at Salt River Fields in Scottsdale, Ariz. Rob Schumacher/The Republic

Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Zack Greinke retires the Cleveland Indians in the first inning during a spring training game on Mar. 7, 2019 at Salt River Fields in Scottsdale, Ariz. Rob Schumacher/The Republic

Arizona Diamondbacks Wilmer Flores (41) hits a two-run home run against the Cleveland Indians in the 1st inning during a spring training game on Mar. 7, 2019 at Salt River Fields in Scottsdale, Ariz. Rob Schumacher/The Republic

Arizona Diamondbacks Wilmer Flores (41) scores after hitting a two-run home run against the Cleveland Indians in the 1st inning during a spring training game on Mar. 7, 2019 at Salt River Fields in Scottsdale, Ariz. Rob Schumacher/The Republic

Arizona Diamondbacks Wilmer Flores (41) hits a two-run home run against the Cleveland Indians in the 1st inning during a spring training game on Mar. 7, 2019 at Salt River Fields in Scottsdale, Ariz. Rob Schumacher/The Republic

Arizona Diamondbacks Wilmer Flores (41) receives high-fives after hitting a two-run home run against the Cleveland Indians in the 1st inning during a spring training game on Mar. 7, 2019 at Salt River Fields in Scottsdale, Ariz. Rob Schumacher/The Republic

Arizona Diamondbacks Wilmer Flores (41) high-fives Ketel Marte after hitting a two-run home run against the Cleveland Indians in the 1st inning during a spring training game on Mar. 7, 2019 at Salt River Fields in Scottsdale, Ariz. Rob Schumacher/The Republic

Arizona Diamondbacks Wilmer Flores (41) hits a two-run home run against the Cleveland Indians in the 1st inning during a spring training game on Mar. 7, 2019 at Salt River Fields in Scottsdale, Ariz. Rob Schumacher/The Republic

Steven Souza Jr #28 of the Arizona Diamondbacks is congratulated by manager Torey Lovullo #17 after hitting a home run against the Milwaukee Brewers during the second inning of a spring training game at Maryvale Baseball Park on March 06, 2019 in Phoenix, Arizona. Norm Hall/Getty Images

Eric Thames #7 of the Milwaukee Brewers rounds the bases after hitting a home run during the fourth inning of a spring training game as Eduardo Escobar #5 of the Arizona Diamondbacks looks on at Maryvale Baseball Park on March 06, 2019 in Phoenix, Arizona. Norm Hall/Getty Images

Socrates Brito #19 of the Arizona Diamondbacks catches a fly ball against the Milwaukee Brewers during the fourth inning of a spring training game at Maryvale Baseball Park on March 06, 2019 in Phoenix, Arizona. Norm Hall/Getty Images

Robbie Ray #38 of the Arizona Diamondbacks delivers a third inning pitch against the Milwaukee Brewers during a spring training game at Maryvale Baseball Park on March 06, 2019 in Phoenix, Arizona. Norm Hall/Getty Images

Robbie Ray #38 of the Arizona Diamondbacks delivers a third inning pitch against the Milwaukee Brewers during a spring training game at Maryvale Baseball Park on March 06, 2019 in Phoenix, Arizona. Norm Hall/Getty Images

Juniel Querecuto #78 of the Arizona Diamondbacks safely dives back to first base as Eric Thames #7 of the Milwaukee Brewers applies a tag during the third inning of a spring training game at Maryvale Baseball Park on March 06, 2019 in Phoenix, Arizona. Norm Hall/Getty Images

Steven Souza Jr #28 of the Arizona Diamondbacks rounds the bases after hitting a home run against the Milwaukee Brewers during the second inning of a spring training game at Maryvale Baseball Park on March 06, 2019 in Phoenix, Arizona. Norm Hall/Getty Images

Steven Souza Jr #28 of the Arizona Diamondbacks hits a home run against the Milwaukee Brewers during the second inning of a spring training game at Maryvale Baseball Park on March 06, 2019 in Phoenix, Arizona. Norm Hall/Getty Images

Robbie Ray #38 of the Arizona Diamondbacks sits in the dugout while preparing to pitch against the Milwaukee Brewers during a spring training game at Maryvale Baseball Park on March 06, 2019 in Phoenix, Arizona. Norm Hall/Getty Images

Diamondbacks infielders have had only limited exposure, but the early read is that the new artificial turf at Chase Field might play slower, allowing them to get to more ground balls than they could in the past.

The Diamondbacks are in the process of installing a state-of-the-art synthetic surface at Chase Field, but the club already has put in the turf on a half-field at Salt River Fields. Players have only taken ground balls there once or twice, but they say they could immediately sense a difference.

“Just being on it for one day, I felt like it may have been a little slower (than grass),” shortstop Nick Ahmed said. “It was less bouncy than I expected it to be. Just playing on a bunch of other turf fields in the past, which have been very bouncy, it felt like the hops were fairly normalized compared to grass. It just felt a little slower.”

Said first baseman Jake Lamb: “The ball doesn’t come up as much as you’d expect. I’ve never played on that kind of turf. I grew up playing on turf — my college field is turf, any field in Seattle is turf — but that’s like that rubber turf or the AstroTurf. There’s not a big difference between (the new surface and) grass. … (If anything) it’s a tick slower.”

The infield at Chase Field always was regarded anecdotally as one of the fastest in the majors. Hard and dry, it allowed ground balls to get on infielders quickly — or to make their way into the outfield for hits. It also likely led to more balls hitting the outfield grass and scooting to the wall, leading to more extra-base hits.

“I talked to (former teammate) Brandon Drury over the winter,” Ahmed said. “He played in Toronto a little bit this past summer with the Blue Jays. I asked him how he liked playing on turf and he said, 'It’s going to be awesome. The ball is going to slow down a little bit and you’ll get to more balls.' I’m not going to complain about that.”

Lamb, though, sees it the other way, and wonders if a slightly slower infield could take away an advantage.

“We’ve got one of the best defenses in the game,” he said. “So we could use it to our advantage on offense if it’s a little bit quicker.”

Koch gets nod

Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Matt Koch during the first day of spring training workouts on Feb. 13 at Salt River Fields in Scottsdale.(Photo: Rob Schumacher/The Republic)

Right-hander Matt Koch will get the start on Saturday in the Cactus League opener against the Colorado Rockies.

Though Koch is primarily a starter, the Diamondbacks’ rotation is full, meaning his best path to a roster spot will likely be as a long man out of the bullpen. Koch is out of minor league options, so he would have to pass through waivers before he could be sent to the minors.

Manager Torey Lovullo sounded intrigued by what a long-relief role for Koch could mean for the bullpen — perhaps primarily for lefty T.J. McFarland, who has held down that job for most of the past two seasons.

“T.J. was a great weapon for us last year, able to get big outs against some quality left-handed hitters in our league,” Lovullo said. “It would enable us to do some things differently with different guys if we have Kochy in that role.”

Playing 'em slow

Lovullo named three position players whose spring training debuts could be pushed back a few days for health reasons.

First baseman Jake Lamb (shoulder), right fielder Steven Souza Jr. (shoulder) and outfielder Jarrod Dyson (core) all are returning from injury-plagued 2018 seasons, and Lovullo said the team’s medical staff wants to be sure they are fully healthy before they play.

“I just have to make sure that after today they’re in a very good spot before I ask them to fast-forward anything they may not be ready for,” Lovullo said.

If they are held back, he said, it won’t be long, likely only a few days at most.